MOEBIUS

How does form inform functionality, program, behavior?
To what extent does form, parametrically generated based on mathematical algorithms, inform, effect (human) behavior?
How does legibility of modularity change with scale and do we need to see/experience/engage with the whole to understand its parts and vice versa?

The archetypical Moebius strip, a one-sided non-orientable surface, which looks like an infinite loop but also self-contained entity,
can be mathematically represented by parameters based on the topological definition as the rotation of a line segment around a circle.
The Moebius strip and parametric modularity define the morphological framework for the physical form exploration.
The investigation and delivery of a design (module) comprised of perpetual modularity, material efficiency and certain scale
in conjunction with its effect on space and (human) behavior form the core thesis and research topic of this project.


In addition to designing and fabricating a product/light installation, we were also working on developing a ‘design recipe’ (algorithm)
and establishing a a list of ‘ingredients’ (parameters) to inform a scaleless/universal design process.

The principle of modularity is based on repetition, adjacencies and relations of parts, modules to each other.
Modularity makes it possible for design to evolve in a localized fashion which can lead to the emergence of modular clusters as part of a whole.
The detailing of connection points and components are crucial for a successful module based design process/solution.
The 3D module explorations were based on 2D components for reasons of fabrication and materiality.

Size: 3'-0" Diameter

Material: Aluminum sheet metal, waterjet-cut

Light Source: LED Tube
Design: Paul Kweton, Hidekazu Takahashi, Ami Patel
Photos: Paul Hester